Burial-casket



(No'ModeL) 3 shgets-sheet 1..

' W. H. OTTO, Jr.

' BURIAL'CASKBT.

No. 305,402. Patented Sept.- 16, 1 884.

MIWEEEEE, lquEqlfF as, I a

K PETERS- PlMvl-Rhflgnpber. Washington D. C.

- (No Model.) 3 sheets -sheet 2.

W; H. OTTO, Jr.

- BURIAL GASKET. N0. 305,402. Patented Sept. 16,1884.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

W. H. OTTO, J1-.,

BURIAL GASKET.

No. 305,402. Patented se p. 16, 1884.

UNITED PATENT Orrrcn.

WILLIAM H. OTTO, JR, OF NEW HAVEN, MISSOURI.

BURIAL-CASKET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No: 305,402, dated September 16, 1884:,

Application filed March 10, 1884. No model.)

'20 whom it may concern..-

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. Orro, J r., a citizen of-the United States, residing at New Haven, in the county of Franklin and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Burglar-Proof Gaskets, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings My invention relates to improvements in burial cases, caskets, or vaults for containing 'coffins, the object of which is to provide a simple, convenient, and durable device that is burglar-proof, and also proof against the depredations of worms, gophers, Ste, and air and water tight. These objects I attain by means of the device illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a view in elevation showing the device as closed. Fig. 2 is a view of the cover inverted. Fig. 3 is avicw in elevation showing the device with the cover removed. Fig. 4 is a view of one ofthe hooks. Fig. 5 is a cross-section.

The distinctive features of my invention consist in the formation and novel construction of burglar and water proof caskets made of five pieces of sheet metal, held together by means of spring'catches on the inside, all as hereinafter more fully explained.

A represents the body of the casket, made of sheet metal, in two parts, a a, secured at the ends, which overlap each other and are secured by means of spring-catches D, said spring-catches being made of spring-steel riveted or otherwise firmly secured on theinside of one piece, a, and having a hook, d, to receive alug, a, on the inside of the other piece, a. The said body may be made any desired size to receive the coffin.

0 represents a bottom made to receive thebody A by having upturned edges 0-0, to form a close joint, 0, and secured bymeans of springcatches D, which clasp lugs a on the inside of the body, as shown.

B represents a covercomposed of two solid pieces of metal, the under one, I), having the edges I) turned down to receive the body and also to form a close joint, and on its under and inner side are secured spring-hooks D, for securing the same to the body. The upper piece, I), is made to cover the entire body, and

m is riveted or otherwise firmly secured to the lower piece. This upper piece, b, strengthens the entire device, and may be made of sheet or cast metal, and ornamented, as desired.

\Vhen putting the device together, strips of rubber may be placed in the joints to make it air and water tight. The device, thus formed, is a complete protection to the coffin against worms, gophers, rabbits, &c., that infest graves, and being clasped on the inside when used as or placed in a vault it is a protection against thieves. It is portable, and easily put together.

In order to distinguish more clearly the advantages and scope of my invention, I would have it understood that I do not seek to claim anything shown in the patents of J. F. VVinchell, No. 242,404, dated May 31, 1881, and

W. S. Haskell, No. 219,721, dated September 16, 1879; but,

Having thus described the construction and use of my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The herein-described metallic casket A, comprising in its construction the sides having inturned overlapping ends reduced to form a smooth joint, lugs formed on the inner face of one of said sides at each end thereof, springcatches to engage said lugs to secure said ends together, a bottom, 0, having upwardly-extending sides and ends, spring catches arranged upon the floor of said bottom and adapted to engage lugs on the inner faces of the sides, and atop or cover of two sections, the lower section having a series of springcatches adapted to engage lugs on the inner faces of the sides and ends, said catches being constructed substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

IVILLIAM H. OTTO, J11. Vitnesses:

F. WV. HELM, JOHN H. W IEMEYER. 

